A PENDLE pub has been named Inn of the Year by a top international travel guide.

Les Routiers said The Alma Inn, in Laneshaw Bridge, combined ‘a relaxed informal atmosphere with superlative food’.

Manager Ryan Taylor said head chef Andrew Heywood had served up almost 500,000 dishes to guests since the venue re-opened in 2008.

The recognition is the latest in a string of achievements for owners Lee Duerden and Shaun O’Neill, who have also picked up Taste Lancashire’s Quality Assured Mark and back-to-back AA Dinner awards.

Mr Taylor, who manages the pub with Michelle Kendall, said the Emmott Lane venue had catered for 686 weddings and events during the past five years and prides itself on using locally-sourced ingredients.

He said: “It’s a fantastic achievement to all those involved with the Inn, and our customers play a huge part in that, as without them we simply wouldn’t be here to earn and receive these accolades.”

Les Routiers, which started as a guide for eateries in France in 1934, said The Alma Inn ‘exceeded’ its standards.

The guide said: “Awards are based around performance, customer feedback, reviews and recommendations. The Inn of the Year category highlights some of Britain’s great inns – the new breed of the country hotels and restaurants.

“Our winner successfully combines a relaxed informal atmosphere with superlative food, genuine, warm hospitality, individuality and comfortable accommodation.”

Mr Duerden said: “I’m very proud of this. The staff work very hard, and it’s great that their efforts are recognised by this well-known, prestigious award.”